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Stress is a normal part of growing up, but for many children it can feel overwhelming — especially during busy school seasons, social challenges, or moments of frustration at home. Teaching kids how to use relaxation strategies gives them a powerful tool they can rely on anytime their emotions start to intensify. Relaxation isn’t just about calming down in the moment. It’s a lifelong skill that supports emotional regulation, improves concentration, and helps children approach …

Test season can stir up a lot of emotions for kids—excitement, worry, pressure, or even fear of letting others down. Whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or a school counselor, you play a powerful role in helping children approach testing with confidence rather than anxiety. A little planning, connection, and encouragement can go a long way. So, let's take a look at a few simple ways you can support kiddos during the testing season. Normalize Test-Day Emotions Let kids know it&rsqu …

Empathy is one of the most important social-emotional skills children can learn. When kids understand and care about how others feel, they are better able to build healthy friendships, resolve conflicts, and contribute positively to their classroom and family environments. In Teaching Social Skills to Youth, 4th Edition, Boys Town’s proven model outlines a clear, practical skill that helps children develop empathy in everyday interactions: Expressing Empathy and Understanding for Others. T …

Peer pressure is something every child will encounter at some point - whether it’s subtle encouragement to “fit in” or direct pressure to make choices they’re not comfortable with. Learning how to recognize peer pressure and respond with confidence is an important life skill that can shape a child’s self-esteem, decision-making, and friendships. Books can be powerful tools to spark conversations, provide relatable examples, and give kids strategies to stand strong …

Friendship can be tough. These books help kids handle it. Written by school counselors and packed with vibrant illustrations, this collection inspires students, supports social‑emotional learning, and makes for meaningful read‑alouds. Shop the best books for teaching children relationship skills: boundaries, communication, friendships, managing conflict, and teamwork. Cliques Just Don't Make Cents Grades 2-5 | $11.95 Explore the pressures of cliques and teach kids about inclusion and s …

Self‑determination plays a huge role in how we set goals, stay motivated, and bounce back when things get hard. You can see it when a student keeps practicing even after failing a test, when a teenager advocates for what they need, or when an adult sticks with a long-term goal despite setbacks. Whether you are supporting students, clients, or your own personal growth, these seven steps can help strengthen self‑determination in practical, meaningful ways. 1. Understand What Self‑Determination Is …

For many families, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year - a magical season filled with bright lights, fun music, and lots of sweet treats. As wonderful as the holiday season is, it can also be overwhelming. For some families, the holiday season brings financial hardship, missing loved ones, or changes in routine that disrupt stability. Additionally, the hustle and bustle of holiday activities can be overstimulating. For children, the excitement and anticipation can be hard to reg …

It’s the final stretch before winter break. Hallways and classrooms are buzzing with the anticipation and excitement of the holiday season – and break from school! Behind all of the energy, however, your students may feel restless, overstimulated, and even anxious, especially if the holidays are stressful at home. Impulse control goes right out the window, and they may have a hard time focusing. (You probably feel the same way!) Your students may seem more irritable if their home rou …

As the holidays approach, gratitude tends to take center stage. Whether it’s a classroom activity, a dinner table tradition, or a social media post, we’re all encouraged to pause and reflect on what we’re thankful for. But here’s the truth: gratitude isn’t just a seasonal exercise. It’s a skill—one that can be taught, practiced, and strengthened over time. And for kids, it’s a powerful tool that can shape how they see themselves, others, and the wo …

As a school counselor, you play a pivotal role in shaping the emotional climate of your school. When students feel safe, valued, and respected, they’re more likely to engage, build healthy relationships, and thrive academically and socially. One of the most effective ways to foster this environment is by intentionally promoting a culture of kindness. Why Kindness Matters Kindness isn’t just a “nice-to-have” trait—it’s a foundational skill that supports emotion …